Branson is located in southwest Missouri in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. Branson is situated 44 miles (71 km) south of Springfield, 98 miles (157 km) from Bentonville, 201 miles (323 km) from Kansas City and 215 miles (346 km) from St. Louis. The nearest full service airports are in Kansas City, and St. Louis. Springfield, MO and Bentonville, AR both boast regional airports. The new airport in Branson is serviced by two low cost carriers, AirTran and Sun Country. The nearest Amtrak stations are in Kansas City, St. Louis and Little Rock, Arkansas. Greyhound doesn't stop in Branson but services several towns nearby. Gray line Tours offers a shuttle service between Springfield Regional Airport and Branson. The only other way to reach Branson is rent a car and drive.

Car travel is the best way to get about Branson as public transport is limited and attractions distant. And without an auto, scenic drives are near impossible. Having said that, you need not play slave to a motorized vehicle to enjoy a family vacation in Branson, Missouri. There are a variety of outdoor activities in this part of southern Missouri. Branson boasts several hiking and biking trails, such as the easy 2.2 mile Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, as well as numerous fishing holes. What's more, there are a plethora of outfitters in Branson keen to arrange family tours and outdoor activities.

While there is no right or wrong time of year to visit Branson, Missouri there are a few things to consider when traveling with kids. Branson has four distinct seasons and boasts the most variable weather in the United States. The hottest month is July; January is the coldest. Spring and fall are the wettest seasons. Summers are hot and humid. Winters are mild but snow is possible. Fall foliage and spring blossoms color these seasons. Hiking is possible year-round.

While there are no specific health risks associated with travel in Missouri good medical insurance is essential as emergency health treatment is costly. Missouri law requires children under 4 years of age and weighing less than 40 pounds (18 kg) be properly secured in a U.S. government approved child safety seat. Booster seats are required for children aged 4 - 7 unless over 80 pounds (36 kg) and 4'9” (1.45 m). Children aged 8 and up must buckle up.